Welcome! This is a Non-Political and a Non-Profit site (to include its authors and contributors) and does not subscribe to any revisionist organizations. This site is only to explore the combat role and history of the European Waffen-SS in World War II. Enlistment rolls show that a total of 950,000 men (German and foreigners) served in its ranks between 1940 and 1945. This blog contains a collection of real events and information on these volunteers for historical research and documentation.

ϟϟ-Standarte „Totenkopf“ and the Le Paradis massacre

SS-Grenadiers (unknown Standarte)

SS-Grenadiers (unknown Standarte)

The only documented example of war crimes against the Totenkopf is the Le Paradis massacre committed by members of SS-Standarte Totenkopf, under the command of SS-Hauptsturmführer Fritz Knöchlein. It took place on May 27 1940 during the Battle of France, at a time when the British Expeditionary Force was attempting to retreat through the Pas-de-Calais region during the Battle of Dunkirk. The 14.Kompanie executed 97 British prisoners of the Royal Norfolk Regiment at the town of Le Paradis. News of the massacre spread to neighbouring German divisions and General Erich Höpner, commander of the German forces in France, was determined to have Knöchlein dismissed if charges of mistreatment or killing of prisoners could be brought. However none of these investigations were ever successful, possibly because Knöchlein stated that the British had been using dumdum bullets, thus violating the Hague Convention of 1899. In that case, the British soldiers no longer had any rights as prisoners of war, but were illegal combatants who could be treated accordingly. Regardless, many Waffen-SS officers were appalled by the massacre; some reportedly challenged Knöchlein to a duel, although none were ever fought. After World War II, Fritz Knöchlein was located, tried and convicted by a war crimes court. Knöchlein was executed by the British in 1949 at Hamburg. Images: Unidentified Grenadiers of the SS-Verfügungs-Division (1940). Photographer: SS-Kriegsberichter Friedrich Zschäckel. Commons: Bundesarchiv.